ISLAMABAD: Senior Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, has criticized Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa for allowing interference in the judiciary and failing to foster unity among judges.
In a letter addressed to the Registrar’s Office of the Supreme Court, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah explained his absence from Chief Justice Isa’s Full Court Reference. He had previously opted not to attend a similar reference for former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, citing concerns over Nisar’s overreach of authority.
He stated, “When Saqib Nisar exceeded the boundaries of his constitutional role, I chose not to attend his reference, and now I find myself compelled to do the same for different but more serious reasons.”
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Justice Shah accused Chief Justice Isa of opening the door to external interference and neglecting the vital responsibility of maintaining judicial independence. He asserted that a Chief Justice should actively protect the judiciary’s autonomy and ensure justice for all citizens.
He requested that his letter be included in the official record of the Full Court Reference, expressing concern that Chief Justice Isa has been complacent regarding external pressures facing the judiciary. “He has acted like an ostrich with its head in the sand,” Justice Shah remarked, emphasizing the need for vigilance in safeguarding the integrity of the judicial system.
